Prognosis
Testing Bottlenecks Keep States From Tamping Down Virus
- U.S. set up emergency testing sites this week in hot spots
- May distribution ‘can’t possibly match need,’ expert says
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Testing plans released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Friday provide a window into efforts by states now seeing surging Covid-19 numbers to build up their infrastructure -- and show shortcomings that may well be playing out now as test-takers complain of long lines and delayed results.
The state plans, which were due May 30 and underwent federal review in June, highlight the ongoing supply-chain challenges that labs face in procuring key supplies like chemicals, rapid diagnostics and protective equipment for personnel. They also show the $11 billion in funding distributed in May may not be enough to solve these persistent problems.